Local growth exceeds overseas growth for Kiwi businesses

New research from Regus shows that
New Zealand companies are growing significantly more at home
than abroad, with access to talent being the main barrier to
expansion

New Zealand, 8 August 2014 – New research
by global workplace provider Regus, revealed that New
Zealand businesses are mainly experiencing growth in the
local market rather than abroad – with 38% of Kiwi
companies reporting growth at home compared to only 4%
seeking growth in overseas markets.

The research, which
canvassed the opinions of more than 20,000 senior executives
and business owners across 95 countries, found that New
Zealand businesses reported significantly low levels of
overseas growth even compared to the reported global average
of 17%, and was dramatically lower than Australia whose
overseas growth was reported at 15%.

According to the
research, hiring high-quality staff is the largest barrier
to international growth for New Zealand firms - with 66% of
respondents reporting this.

Other obstacles to overseas
growth include:• A lack of local knowledge and
connections (64%)• A lack of market information
(53%)• Limited access to flexible office space
(40%)• Difficulties setting up a local distribution
network (38%)

Commenting on the study, Country Manager of
Regus New Zealand, Nick Bradshaw, confirmed that New Zealand
businesses are reporting more growth at home than abroad,
and noted that there are a variety of key factors that are
vital for the success of business expansion.

“We have
helped thousands of Kiwi companies set up in new countries
so it comes as no surprise to find that quality staff,
up-to-date market information, and the ability to network
are at the top of the perceived barriers to international
expansion.

“Therefore flexible work options, such as
Regus, allow businesses to explore these markets with a
level of security. They can rapidly expand, but are also
able to retract quickly and easily should the market
collapse or growth possibilities appear elsewhere,” he
said.

Mr Bradshaw added: “What business leaders need to
understand is that establishing a physical footprint in
different cities around the world should not be avoided.
Facilities such as Regus business hubs can give small and
large businesses a local presence without the financial risk
that has traditionally been associated with expansion
abroad.”

About RegusRegus is the
global workplace provider.

Its network of more than 2,000
business centres in 102 countries provides convenient,
high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work,
whether for a few minutes or a few years. Companies like
Google, Toshiba and GlaxoSmithKline choose Regus so that
they can work flexibly and make their businesses more
successful.

The key to flexible working is convenience and
so Regus is opening wherever its 1.5million members want
support - city centres, suburban districts, shopping centres
and retail outlets, railway stations, motorway service
stations and even community centres.

Founded in Brussels,
Belgium, in 1989, Regus is based in Luxembourg and listed on
the London Stock Exchange. For more information, please
visit: www.regus.com

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